Damp patches and flaky paint around UPVC window

FuzzyGirly

Hi all, my small bungalow has humidity issues over winter (I guess not heating enough despite using dehumidifier occasionally and opening windows during winter) and after a few years the bottom corner of my windowsill is looking dire. Can a pro DIY-er let me know if this needs more professional intervention or can I possibly try to patch it up myself by removing the mould and silicone over the corners and repaint the flaky parts of paint that are coming off? The outside wall of the window looks fine with its silicone seal intact. Thank you for any advice.

Grenage

It's a fairly trivial job.  Cut out the silicone sealant and rub down the knackered paint.  Use filler where needed to level, rub down and paint, then reseal.

Ideally get the heat up and dehumidify to stop it coming back.  Failing that, wipe up the condensate when it appears.

This is assuming the external sealing is all good and it's just cold spots.

flashg67

Is ia house with solid walls? f so, I've found using lime paint, which is breathable, massively reduces mould growth in cold spots. I also use a tube/greenhouse heater on the window sill to try to warm the area a bit

Lorian

Get a cheap hygrometer and try to keep the humidity to less than 60%

When having a shower use an extractor fan and open a bathroom window for at least 5 minutes after. 

When cooking especially on a hob use a hob extractor fan.

Use open vents on those windows if they have them.

Does that one window feel draughty around the seal?

Also check the frame looks sealed from the outside, or post a pic.

Emily_Joy

flashg67 said:

Is ia house with solid walls? f so, I've found using lime paint, which is breathable, massively reduces mould growth in cold spots. I also use a tube/greenhouse heater on the window sill to try to warm the area a bit

Do you have any recommendations for getting some Lime Paint? 

Brewer21

Grenage said:

It's a fairly trivial job.  Cut out the silicone sealant and rub down the knackered paint.  Use filler where needed to level, rub down and paint, then reseal.

Ideally get the heat up and dehumidify to stop it coming back.  Failing that, wipe up the condensate when it appears.

This is assuming the external sealing is all good and it's just cold spots.

I agree with this fix.

Moving on, keep windows clear of condensation and wipe down walls in those corners each day. If mould spots start appearing wipe over with a solution of bleach on a wet cloth then dry, it'll keep it clean at bay.
We get all this in our house, we keep windows open where possible kitchen/bathroom but in winter the condensation builds up, we wipe it over each day.